16-17 year olds are already contributing to New Zealand society, but don't have the ability to vote and ensure their contributions are going towards issues they care about. Lowering the voting age will allow youth to vote on matters that affect them and will impact their future, such as climate change action and government spending. 

It is paramount for under 18 year olds to be allowed to register as an elector and begin voting, so that youth can influence the approach to policies that will affect their own futures.